Barbecue Tempeh

These barbecue sandwiches always hit the spot whenever I'm craving BBQ!  We love to eat these with Sour Cream Coleslaw on our sandwich.

Makes 4 large sandwiches

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon natural liquid smoke, optional
1 8 oz package tempeh, crumbled
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 buns for serving

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, being sure not to burn the onions. Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, sugar, and liquid smoke if using. Simmer, stirring occasionally, a few minutes. Stir in the tempeh. Turn the heat down to medium low and let the tempeh cook in the BBQ sauce for about 15-20 minutes. If it is getting too dry, add a splash of water.

Serve on your favorite buns with your favorite BBQ sides.

Enjoy!